2026 Issue 4
CAHNRS con.flu.ence
Message from Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean
Welcome to the spring 2026 issue of Confluence, the digital magazine of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
Confluence exists to tell a powerful story: how our extraordinary range of ideas, people, and partnerships come together to spark discovery, educate the next generation of leaders, and serve communities across Washington and beyond. This is where innovation meets purpose — and where impact begins.
It is a remarkable moment to be a CAHNRS Coug. From the global stage to the neighborhood level, the world needs the skills, expertise, and leadership that our land‑grant college delivers – now more than ever. We stand at a crossroads defined by both urgency and opportunity. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work and learn. Citizen science is engaging communities in new ways. Advances in green energy, sustainability, and natural resource stewardship are opening doors to solutions once thought out of reach. This era is full of promises, challenges, and changes — and CAHNRS is right at the center of it.
In this issue of Confluence, you will find more than a dozen highlights showcasing the research, scholarship, alumni support, and partnerships that bring the land‑grant mission to life. You’ll meet alumni Jim Huff and Sue Fairbanks, whose generosity is helping shape the future of WSU’s Eggert Family Organic Farm. You will also hear from Becky and Lynn Miner, whose commitment has created a new living laboratory and woodland classroom for our Extension Foresters.
You will reconnect with outstanding scholars from across the college, including a trio of environmental science students whose capstone journey to Peru offered hands‑on experience in water resource management — lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. This issue also celebrates pioneering faculty, dedicated staff, transformative donor‑supported facilities, and partnerships that have strengthened CAHNRS for decades.
The power of a land‑grant institution lies in the people and ideas it brings together. The stories in this issue stand as proof of what is possible when we pool our talents, align our purpose, and work collectively for the greater good.
Read on for a deeper look at CAHNRS — at the confluence of innovation, education, and service.
Confluence exists to tell a powerful story: how our extraordinary range of ideas, people, and partnerships come together to spark discovery, educate the next generation of leaders, and serve communities across Washington and beyond. This is where innovation meets purpose — and where impact begins.
It is a remarkable moment to be a CAHNRS Coug. From the global stage to the neighborhood level, the world needs the skills, expertise, and leadership that our land‑grant college delivers – now more than ever. We stand at a crossroads defined by both urgency and opportunity. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work and learn. Citizen science is engaging communities in new ways. Advances in green energy, sustainability, and natural resource stewardship are opening doors to solutions once thought out of reach. This era is full of promises, challenges, and changes — and CAHNRS is right at the center of it.
In this issue of Confluence, you will find more than a dozen highlights showcasing the research, scholarship, alumni support, and partnerships that bring the land‑grant mission to life. You’ll meet alumni Jim Huff and Sue Fairbanks, whose generosity is helping shape the future of WSU’s Eggert Family Organic Farm. You will also hear from Becky and Lynn Miner, whose commitment has created a new living laboratory and woodland classroom for our Extension Foresters.
You will reconnect with outstanding scholars from across the college, including a trio of environmental science students whose capstone journey to Peru offered hands‑on experience in water resource management — lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. This issue also celebrates pioneering faculty, dedicated staff, transformative donor‑supported facilities, and partnerships that have strengthened CAHNRS for decades.
The power of a land‑grant institution lies in the people and ideas it brings together. The stories in this issue stand as proof of what is possible when we pool our talents, align our purpose, and work collectively for the greater good.
Read on for a deeper look at CAHNRS — at the confluence of innovation, education, and service.
Student Success
WSU student designs featured at Bellevue Collection fashion showcase
The original creations of two AMDT students were featured in The Bellevue Collection’s 20th Fashion Week last fall.
For undergrad animal scientist, research experience leads to international conference
As a first-year student just beginning her college adventure at WSU, Jocelynn Brown took a leap and started her own scientific research project.
Graduating senior caps comprehensive Cougar experience
Maddy Reyes wanted a well-rounded college experience. Her time at WSU is a fantastic example of the opportunities available beyond the classroom.
WSU trio learns about Peruvian culture, water resource management during study abroad trip
Three WSU students completed capstone projects, heard about environmental challenges, and learned about Indigenous knowledge during their time in the South American country.
Student Spotlight
From studying abroad to presenting research and landing internships, CAHNRS Cougs are poised to become tomorrow’s leaders.
WSU students spend spring break helping cows, newborn calves
Four seniors took turns living in a camper keeping an eye on pregnant cows and processing newborn calves in a WSU pasture.
Research Highlights
Indigenous-focused horticulturist brings traditional ecological knowledge to light
As WSU’s Indigenous-focused horticulturist, Jeffrey Wall has begun exploring how traditional practices from the state’s first peoples can help nourish societies and repair the environment.
New WSU study shows bacteria can team up against fire blight
A new WSU study finds that certain bacteria living in apple and pear trees can team up to limit fire blight infections, offering promising insights for future disease control in orchards.
WSU food scientist follows the path of produce to protect crops, consumers
Thanks to the work of food scientist Claire Murphy, consumers nationwide can safely enjoy some of the state’s most popular and delicious crops.
WSU plant pathology graduates lead crop-defending clean plant programs across North America
Viral diseases cause multi-billion-dollar damage to global food crops annually. Scientists at WSU are training the next generation of virologists to fight these diseases with a simple but crucial tool: clean plants.
Snapp takes over as associate dean of research
WSU alumna Sieg Snapp returned to her alma mater on April 1 to help oversee research for CAHNRS.
WSU scientists capture a bear’s eye view of life in the Arctic
Researchers attached cameras to GPS-enabled collars on Arctic grizzly bears, providing unprecedented and valuable video.
Extension & Partnership
WSU, partners celebrate 20-year collaboration focused on transforming waste into energy
WSU researchers have worked with the state Department of Ecology and several other agencies on the Waste to Fuels Technology partnership for two decades.
‘Legacy of learning’: Couple donates 100-acre tree farm to WSU Extension Forestry
Representing WSU’s first school forest, the acreage includes a residential log cabin and outbuildings that will support education, training, research, conventions, and other learning opportunities.
WSU Extension graduates over 800 in newly offered Washington Green School
Participants from across the state were united by a shared interest in research-based gardening education.
Construction begins for new WSU Plant Growth Facility
Years in the making, the new Plant Growth Facility at WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC) began construction April 1.
Married couple look back on career supporting WSU students, faculty
It was never planned, but working next door to each other for 11 years was a success for Tom and Jamie Dahl, a married couple and staff duo who retired in January from the School of Economic Sciences.
Alumni establish endowment to support WSU organic farm for years to come
A gift from two WSU alumni will help the university’s organic farm thrive and grow well into the future, supporting students, research, and more.